There
are a number tricks shops use to get you to spend more money. Here’s the DL:

Better by comparison A
common sales tactic is to introduce a third, mid-range product when you're
comparing the high and low end, encouraging shoppers to spend a more for the
perceived superior quality of a mid-range product.

Bundled services aren't always the steal they seem. Bundles often
include services you don’t need, often at temporary promotional prices. When
the promos run out you're stuck paying a premium. Avoid this trap by only
subscribing to services you use. Monitor the terms of the promotion and cancel your
plan before the terms change.

Buy now or miss out A
sense of urgency is also exploited to drive sales. To get the upper hand, comparison
shop and use negotiation tactics to your advantage.

Dim lighting can make you appear thinner with the angle of the
mirror cleverly positioned to artificially slim your figure. Get a second
opinion from a mirror on the sales floor. The lighting there may reveal some
previously unseen issues.

Discriminatory pricing is
the practice of adjusting prices based on consumer and market behavior to
capture customers throughout the day. Use this tactic to your advantage by
creating price alerts for specific products with a site like pricegrabber.com to notify you when prices reach
their lowest levels.

In store demos aren't
just for your convenience. Consumers
who touch products are more likely to buy them than consumers who don't - likely
because once consumers touch an item they feel a greater sense of ownership.
Window-shopping is your best bet to keep your money in your wallet.

Internet ad stalking Targeted
“spam” advertising is a common trick. By tracking your browsing history with
cookies, retailers fill ads with the products you've viewed online. Clear your
search history and cookies after each browsing session.

Overwhelm the senses In
addition to touch, retailers tap into other senses to create a familiar
atmosphere and an emotional connection to a particular brand,
enticing you to buy and stay loyal. Think the aroma of freshly baked
bread, chocolate chip cookies and roasting chickens when you walk into a grocery store. Mmmmmmm.

Save serious money on your wedding with Tightwad!

guest posts + frugal tips

Tightwad is always interested in new points of view and information related to personal finance or frugal living. If you are interested in writing a guest post, want a post featured or have a thrifty tip to share, please send your ideas and articles to tightwadblog@gmail.com. Your idea (and you!) will be featured.